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| IN MEMORIAM
Archbishop Gorun Babian
1941 - 2015
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Archbishop Oshagan and the Religious and Executive Councils of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, announce with sorrow the passing of His Eminence Archbishop Gorun Babian, today Thursday, May 21, 2015, in Antelias, Lebanon.
Extreme Unction and funeral services will take place during the Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning, May 23, 2015, in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias, Lebanon. The remains of the Archbishop will be interred in the Mausoleum at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of the Great House of Cilicia.
Archbishop Gorun was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1941. He was ordained a celibate priest in 1961 and consecrated a Bishop in 1980. He served as Vicar in Kamishli, Syria, prior to serving as Prelate of the Diocese of New Julfa and Isfahan from 1978 to 2000. Before his retirement he served as Catholicosal Vicar to Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf Countries.
The late Archbishop attended Oxford University where he earned a PH.D after successfully defending his dissertation, “The Relations between the Armenian and Georgian Churches” in 1977 that was later published by the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
All Prelacy parishes will offer a requiem service for Archbishop Gorun this Sunday, May 24.
May the Lord grant unto him eternal peace and let perpetual light shine upon him.
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| HIS HOLINESS ARAM I COMPLETES VISIT
TO NEW YORK METRO AREA WITH VISITS TO
STS. VARTANANTZ AND ST. SARKIS CHURCHES
CELEBRATES LITURGY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL AND
PRESIDES AT CATHEDRAL’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
ENGAGES IN DIALOGUE WITH YOUNG ADULTS
IS GUEST OF HONOR AT RECEPTION
HOSTED BY PETER & IRENE VOSBIKIAN
NEW YORK TIMES INTERVIEWS HIS HOLINESS ABOUT LEGAL SUIT
As reported last week, the 2015 Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, began on Sunday, May 10, at Soorp Khatch Church in Bethesda, Maryland, where His Holiness presided over the Divine Liturgy. From Maryland the Catholicos and his entourage traveled to Philadelphia where at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church he was enthusiastically welcomed during a Hrashapar service followed by receiving and greeting the faithful individually during a reception. From Philadelphia the entourage traveled to the New York/New Jersey area, with a visit to Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey on Thursday, May 14 where hundreds of the faithful came to greet His Holiness.
His Holiness’s message on these occasions focused on the general theme of remaining faithful to our Armenian Christian roots. He told the faithful that the “Church is not a building or an institution, but rather the Body of Christ, which transforms it into a community, a spiritual home and a source of national identity. In order to remain rooted in our Armenian identity in the Disaspora, we should organize and be renewed as a church community.”
LITURGY AND BANQUET IN NEW YORK
On Sunday, May 17, His Holiness celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. The Catholicos’s visit to the Cathedral coincided with the 100th anniversary of St. Illuminator’s that was followed by an elegant banquet at The Palace in New York. The banquet was designed as a dual celebration honoring His Holiness on the occasion of his visit to the Eastern Prelacy and the milestone anniversary of the Cathedral. The beautiful Divine Liturgy was enhanced by a combined choir led by Kevork Hadjian.
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|  | Archbishop Oshagan (left) and Bishop Meghrig escort His Holiness into the Cathedral. | |
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The entourage accompanying His Holiness as he travels to various parishes and places includes Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate; Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar; Very Rev. Fr. Bedros, staffbearer; Very Rev. Fr. Housig, Director of Ecumenical Relations of the Catholicosate. They were joined in New York by Bishop Meghrig Parikian, Prelate of Canada.
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|  | Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, receives the Pontifical Encyclical. | |
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During the banquet program Archbishop Oshagan read the Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness on the occasion of the Cathedral’s centennial anniversary. “Truly, Saint Illuminator’s Cathedral was the spiritual home of our people for one hundred continuous years. Under the Cathedral’s canopy our people praised God, received spiritual nourishment, felt the presence of God, and bonded their lives with the spiritual and ethical values radiating from the life of the Church… Saint Illuminator’s was the center of Christ’s mission in the lives of our people…. On this occasion, with the Pontifical Blessing and heartfelt love, we bless the Prelate, Pastor, Board of Trustees, and the beloved children of our nation. We pray to God to enrich all of your lives with His heavenly goodness.”
Archbishop Oshagan in his letter of blessing praised the loyalty, faith, sacrifice, and dedication of the leaders and faithful of the Cathedral. “Under her holy pillars she provided spiritual nourishment to the exiled Armenians who settled in the United States before and after the genocide, and became the cradle of patriotism, hospitality, and service…. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, it is our heartfelt wish that this house of faith will continue to nurture the faithful with her motherly devotion and love. May the Almighty bless all those—clergy and laity—who lovingly served the sons and daughters of our nation providing them spiritual nourishment, as well as support for their quest for our just and never-ending rights.”
Archbishop Oshagan presented a Certificate of Gratitude addressed to past and present lay leaders specifically Boards of Trustees, Delegates to the National Representative Assembly, Deacons, Choir, and Ladies Guild Members, Benefactors and Parishioners in recognition of their sacrifice and service to keep the Cathedral’s doors open for a century.
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|  | Receiving the Cilician See’s Mesrob Mashdotz Medal were, from left, Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, Professor George Bournoutian, and Professor Hratch Zadoian. | |
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Also during the banquet three individuals were awarded the Mesrob Mashdotz Medal in recognition of their service to education and scholarship. His Holiness conferred the medals on Professor George Bournoutian, Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, and Professor Hratch Zadoian.
VOSBIKIANS HOST RECEPTION
Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Irene Vosbikian hosted a reception at their home in Moorestown, New Jersey, on Friday evening, May 15. An impressive number of guests enjoyed the warm hospitality while having the occasion to be with Vehapar and his entourage in an intimate setting. This reception was the official launching of the Prelacy’s Building Fund Campaign to raise funds to build a new and larger Prelacy headquarters at the same location on 39th Street in Manhattan.
During the evening, the Catholicos presented Irene Vosbikian with the Mesrob Mashdotz Insignia in recognition of her literary endeavors that among other things include a novel based on the experiences of her father-in-law, Bedros Vosbikian, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. His Holiness also presented the Vosbikians a book about the “Treasures of the Cilician See.”
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|  | His Holiness presents Irene Vosbikian the Mesrob Mashdotz Medal. | |
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|  | Guests were pleased to have the opportunity to spend time with His Holiness. From left, Dr. Dertad Manguikian, a member of the Central Executive of the Catholicosate, His Holiness, Shoghag Hovanesian, and Dr. Raffy Hovanesian. | |
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|  | Some of the guests at the reception. | |
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DIALOGUE WITH THE YOUTH
His Holiness attended a seminar on Saturday, May 16, organized and prepared by young adults of the area, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. Ara Sarajian served as the MC and Tamar Harutunian, Esq. and Kristen Santerian welcomed the Catholicos on behalf of the participants. Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian spoke about Sainthood and the Canonization of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs. Reflections were then offered by Knar Mesrobian and Naz Markarian, which led into a dialogue between the audience and His Holiness that proved to be engaging and interesting.
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|  | Participants in the Dialogue . | |
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HRASHAPAR SERVICE AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH
The parishioners of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, joyfully greeted His Holiness and his entourage on Tuesday, May 19. Also attending were Rev. Fr. Abraham Malhassian, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Church, in Bayside, New York, Rev. Father Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Edde of the Syrian Orthodox Church, Hicksville, New York, and Rev. Dr. Linden DeBie, Pastor of Community Church, Douglaston, New York.
His Holiness’s message on this occasion focused on service—“Service to God. Service to our church. Service to our people.” His Holiness gave clear examples of how our Lord Jesus Christ served throughout His life. “He served the sick and the poor and taught His disciples to go to the end of their earthly lives and spread faith, hope, and love. This is the mission of our Church,” His Holiness said.
The Catholicos presented a handheld cross to Rev. Fr. Nareg in recognition of his recent successful completion of graduate studies at St. John University where he earned a second Master’s degree—a Master of Science in Education in Mental Health and Counseling.
Before the evening concluded, Rev. Fr. Nareg opened the floor for donations to support the Armenian Theological Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon. In a short time $43,000 was raised for the Seminary.
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|  | Blessing Bread and Salt at St. Sarkis Church. | |
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|  | St. Sarkis Church filled to capacity to hear His Holiness. | |
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OTHER VISITS
During his time in the New York metro area His Holiness was also welcomed to the Hovnanian School in New Milford, New Jersey, the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Emerson, New Jersey, Armenia’s Mission to the United Nations in Manhattan, and the Armenian Home in Flushing, New York.
ALL PONTIFICAL VISIT PHOTOS BY ZENOP POMAKIAN.
TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE VISIT TO NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY CLICK HERE.
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| On Tuesday, May 19, the New York Times published an article written by Rick Gladstone, entitled “Armenian Church Leader Speaks on Suit to Reclaim Seized Property.” The article resulted from an interview Mr. Gladstone had with His Holiness the previous day at the offices of the NY Times. Read the article here.
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DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUTH 13-18
The 29th annual summer program for youth ages 13-18 is scheduled to be held at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 28—July 5, 2015. Sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the summer program offers a unique weeklong Christian educational program for youth. It aims to instill and nurture the Armenian Christian faith and identity in our youth through a variety of educational activities, coupled with daily church services and communal recreational activities. For information and registration, please visit the Prelacy’s website at armenianprelacy.org/arec/datev or contact the AREC office at 212-689-7810 or arec@armenianprelacy.org.
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BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, May 24, Pentecost, (Eve of the Fast of Elijah) are: Acts 2:1-21; John 14:25-31.
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deed of power.” All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”
But, Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” (Acts 2:1-21)
For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here.
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FEAST OF PENTECOST: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
This Sunday, May 24, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost (Hokekaloust), the descent of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles, and the birth of the church. Jesus had commanded his apostles to “Go therefore to all nations and make them my disciples,” (Matthew 28:19). Recognizing the difficulty of this great responsibility, Christ had advised his disciples not to begin their teaching mission until after the “descent of the Holy Spirit.”
In the Acts of the Apostles, we read that on the day of Pentecost the apostles gathered in one place, and suddenly a strong wind seemed to fill the house in which they were assembled, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit (see reading above). It was the Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shabuoth) commemorating the giving of the law on Mount Sinai and many people from different lands had come to Jerusalem. They marveled that they could understand the Apostles’ words. This day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles marked the beginning of the mission of the Church to spread the Good News throughout the world.
In a sense Pentecost is the opposite of what occurred in the Old Testament story of the Tower of Babel when God disapproved of the building of a tower to reach the heavens and he created confusion by having the workers suddenly speak in different tongues, and unable to understand each other. At Pentecost he gave the disciples the ability to speak other tongues and thus be able to be understood by everyone everywhere.
Life-creating God, Spirit and lover of mankind, with tongues of fire you enlightened those united with one accord in love; therefore we also celebrate today your holy descent.
Filled with joy by your coming the holy apostles began in different-sounding tongues to call into unity them that had been divided from each other; therefore we also celebrate today your holy descent.
By spiritual and holy baptism through them you have adorned the universe in a new and radiant garment; therefore we also celebrate your holy descent.
(From the Canon for the First Day of Pentecost according to the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church)
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| THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
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Opening of the Monument of Sardarabad (May 25, 1968)
Sardarabad, located 25 miles to the west of Yerevan, became the last Armenian stance against the advance of the invading Third Ottoman Army in May 1918. A defeat would not only open the door for their penetration to the rest of Eastern Armenia, but also the follow-up to the genocide of 1915-1916. Major General Otto von Lossow, German delegate to the Caucasus, had reported to his government on May 15, 1918 that the Ottomans intended to advance the border further to the east, monopolize the economy of the region, and bring about “the total extermination of the Armenians in Transcaucasia also.” Two days before his departure from Tiflis, on May 23, he wrote in his final report: “The aim of Turkish policy is, as I have always reiterated, the taking of possession of Armenian districts and the extermination of the Armenians.”
The Armenian victory in Sardarabad, from May 22-28, 1918, became the cornerstone of the foundation of the first Republic of Armenia. However, the victories of May 1918 and the first republic remained taboo issues in Soviet Armenia until the national awakening of the 1960s that led to the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the genocide in 1965. Afterwards, there would be a historical reassessment, although within the ideological constraints imposed by the regime.
Part of that reassessment would be the construction of the monument dedicated to the battle, inaugurated on May 25, 1968. Its author was talented architect Raphael Israelian (1908-1973), who had already built popular memorials such as the arch of Charents (1957) on the road to Garni and the first monument to the genocide, built in the courtyard of Holy Echmiadzin (1965). Other projects would be completed during his lifetime and posthumously.
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The entrance of the impressive complex, which extends over some 50 acres, is guarded by gigantic winged bulls, which symbolize the victory obtained by the people. The steps take the visitor to a wide square, dominated by the 115-foot high bell tower. The nine-bell structure, built from red-orange tufa stone, is the focus of the monumental complex. It reflects the critical moment that the entire country lived and that called the people to the fight. As it is well known, Catholicos Gevorg V ordered all church bells in Armenia to sound day and night in the days of the three battles of Sardarabad, Gharakilise, and Pash Abaran. The bells sound every year on the day of the victory.
The bell tower square marks the beginning of the avenue, flanked by a series of eagles, leading to the 180-foot long Victory wall, which depicts the images of the battle, sculpted by Ara Harutunian and other artists. In 1978 the State Ethnographic Museum of Armenia was built on the end side of the complex, with an impressive collection. It also includes a section dedicated to the first Republic.
As the refrain of the famous song written by poet Paruyr Sevak exhorts, “Generations, know yourself in Sardarabad.” The monument to the battle is one of those mirrors that have helped know history for almost half a century.
Previous entries in “This Week in Armenian History” are on the Prelacy’s web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
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| SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance.
Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your pocketbooks.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE AND SELECT SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR DONATION TO:
Armenian Prelacy
138 E. 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief
Thank you for your help
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COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS TO “WITH YOU ARMENIA” CONCERT
By special arrangements there is a block of complimentary tickets available to the “With You Armenia,” concert this Tuesday, May 26, 8 pm, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The concert commemorates the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide and features noted pianist Evgeny Kissin and the Hover Chamber Choir from Armenia under the direction of Sona Hovhannisyan.
To reserve your free tickets please send an email to mary@armenianprelacy.org before 3 pm tomorrow, May 22. Your tickets will be held at the box office.
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
This Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day—a day of remembrance for those who died in service to the United States of America. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John A. Logan, national commander of the Grand Army, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was for the soldiers who died during the Civil War. After World War I it became a holiday to honor all men and women who died in service. It is now a federal holiday in every state on the last Monday in May.
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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST WITH REV. FR. NAREG TERTERIAN
(Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York)
Episode 38: Audience with His Holiness Aram I; Interview with V. Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirossian; and more. Click on the image above to listen.
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May 10 to June 4—Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the Eastern Prelacy.
May 26—“With You, Armenia,” concert at Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, 8 pm, presented by Yerevan Perspectives International Music Festival in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Pianist Evgeny Kissin and Hover Chamber Choir, featuring works of Armenian composers Komitas Vartabed, Vache Sharafyan, Tigran Mansurian, and others. Please see news item above about complimentary tickets.
May 29—Homage to our Martyred Writers, “A Literary Evening Dedicated to Taniel Varuzhan.” MC, Zarmine Boghosian; English Presentation, Aram Arkun; Armenian Presentation, Dr. Vartan Matiossian. Artistic program by: Harout Barsoumian, Arpi Cankar, Serpouhi Vartivarian, Talar Zokian. Tekeyan Center, 560 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, at 7:30 pm. Free admission; RSVP required. Contact Helen Misk (helenmisk@gmail.com) or Diana Mkhitarian (Dianamkhitarian@yahoo.com).
May 30—“Your Church. Your Nation. Engage.” A Dialogue with His Holiness Aram I, with young adults (ages 18-35). Speakers will explore the themes of Faithfulness, the Centennial of the Armenian genocide, and the canonization of the Martyrs. Westin Hotel, 70 Third Avenue, Waltham, Massachusetts, 10 am to 2 pm.
June 3-6—National Representative Assembly hosted by St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
June 4-5—National Association of Ladies Guilds 2015 Annual Conference, St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. For information: Sharke Der Apkarian, shakar07@comcast.net, or 978-808-0598.
June 7—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Sunday School Commencement Day.
June 14—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Nareg Saturday Armenian School Year End Graduation.
June 18—Annual Cigar Night and Dinner, Men’s Club of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts. Drawing of Super Raffle of 2015 Mercedes Benz-CLA 250 will take place. Raffle tickets can be purchased online (saintgregory.org/organizations/mens-club).
June 21—Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Sunday School Father’s Day Picnic.
June 21—St. Gregory Church, annual Father’s Day Picnic, noon to 5 pm, on the church grounds, 135 Goodwin Street, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. Many favorite Armenian dinners including shish kebab and rice pilaf. Baked goods available for purchase. Enjoy Armenian music and dancing, activities for children, raffle drawing. Admission and parking free. For information: (413) 543-4763.
June 28—Annual “Madagh Picnic,” St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, Blessing of the Madagh will take place at 11 am by Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian, and served at noon. All are invited to enjoy the picnic all afternoon up to 7 pm. Enjoy marinated shish kebab and chicken dinners, sarma, penerlee, khurabia, and other Armenian delicacies and pastries. Live Armenian music and children’s entertainment. Raffle drawing at 6 pm.
June 28-July 5—29th annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, please visit the Prelacy’s website at armenianprelacy.org/arec/datev or contact the AREC office at 212-689-7810 or arec@armenianprelacy.org.
July 18—Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I, at the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon. For details click here.
October 5-9—Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies.
November 15—90th Anniversary Banquet, St. Stephen’s Church, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Watch for details.
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| Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add email@armenianprelacy.org to your address book.
Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please credit Crossroads as the source.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to: info@armenianprelacy.org
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